Creating Access to Home for Everyone
Here are the tools, guidance, and best practices to support accessibility online, in person, and throughout the real estate transaction.
Digital Accessibility (Websites & Online)
Why it matters: First point of contact for many clients.
Fair Housing & Legal Responsibilities
Why it matters: This is the foundation.
ADA & Property-Level Accessibility
Why it matters: Where legal meets physical space.
Showing Homes & Property Access
Why it matters: This is where REALTORS® often fall short.
Communication & Client Experience
Why it matters: Small communication gaps can become major barriers.
Marketing Accessible Homes
Why it matters: Often overlooked or done incorrectly.
Beyond the Transaction
Why it matters: Your connection doesn’t stop at closing.
Accessibility Starts Online
Today, most homebuyers begin their search online, making digital accessibility an important part of creating equal access to housing information.
An Accessible Website Supports:
- Screen reader users
- Deaf or hard of hearing users
- Individuals navigating by keyboard
- Low vision or color blindness
- Cognitive or learning disabilities
Quick Accessibility Best Practices
Add Meaningful Alt Text
Listing photos should include clear descriptions so screen reader users can understand the property.
Instead of: “Living room”
Try: “Spacious living room with hardwood floors, natural light, and fireplace.”
Caption Videos & Virtual Tours
Property videos and virtual tours should include:
- Closed captions
- Transcripts
- Audio descriptions when possible
Make Content Easy to Read
Simple design choices improve accessibility for everyone:
- Clear fonts
- Strong color contrast
- Logical headings
- Limited flashing or moving content
WCAG recommends a minimum color contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for readability.
Ensure Keyboard Accessibility
Users should be able to navigate menus, forms, and listings without a mouse.
Common Accessibility Issues
To learn more about creating accessible digital experiences, explore ADA Websites: ADA Websites: What Associations Need to Know, ADA Compliance for Real Estate Websites: Best Practices & Tips, and A Checklist for Website Accessibility.
Fair Housing Starts With Everyday Actions
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on:
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex
- Disability
- Familial Status
Disability protections include both visible and invisible disabilities.
Fair housing compliance goes beyond avoiding discrimination. It also means creating an experience where clients feel respected, supported, and treated equally throughout the transaction.
Understanding Accommodations vs. Modifications
HUD reports that nearly 60% of fair housing complaints relate to reasonable accommodation requests.
Fair Housing in Advertising
Focus on the Property, Not the Person
Use factual language that describes the home or neighborhood, not who should live there.
Descriptions should focus on property features, not assumptions about buyers.
Steering & Unconscious Bias
Even well-intentioned comments can unintentionally steer clients or create unequal treatment.
Best Practices
- Let clients decide what neighborhoods fit their needs
- Apply the same processes and standards to every client
- Refer clients to objective resources for schools, demographics, or crime data
- Avoid assumptions based on age, disability, race, family status, or cultural background
Fair Housing by the Numbers
25,000–30,000 Fair housing complaints filed each year nationwide.
3.7 Million Estimated instances of housing discrimination occur annually.
Assistance Animals & Accessibility Requests
Housing providers may need to make exceptions to pet policies when a client has a disability-related need for an assistance animal.
Key reminders:
- Respond to requests promptly
- Engage in good-faith dialogue
- Avoid asking for unnecessary medical documentation
- Focus on equal access and reasonable solutions
To better understand fair housing protections, disability-related accommodations, and avoiding discriminatory practices, visit Fair Housing Primer: Disability, Fair Housing Is In Your Hands, and Addressing Bias in Appraisal Standards.
Understanding ADA vs. Fair Housing
Commercial spaces may be required to remove barriers and follow ADA design standards, including accessible parking, ramps, and restroom access.
Common Accessibility Features
Accessible properties may include:
- Ramps or step-free entryways
- Wider doorways and hallways
- Accessible bathrooms and grab bars
- Lower countertops and switches
- Accessible parking spaces
- Lever-style door handles
For more information on ADA requirements, accessibility responsibilities, and property-related compliance considerations, review ADA Compliance in Real Estate and What Did the Property Owner Know?.
Showing Homes & Property Access
Creating More Accessible Showings
Simple adjustments can make showings more welcoming and easier to navigate for all clients.
Before the Showing
Ask thoughtful questions like:
- Are there stairs or uneven walkways?
- Are doorways and hallways wide enough for mobility devices?
- Is there accessible parking nearby?
- Are there HOA restrictions that could affect future modifications?
Accessibility can look different for every client, so clear communication matters.
Open House Accessibility Tips
Make the Space Easier to Navigate
- Keep walkways and hallways clear
- Limit obstacles, cords, or loose rugs
- Ensure lighting is bright and consistent
- Provide seating when possible
- Use clear signage and directions
Virtual Alternatives Matter Too
When physical access is limited, technology can help create additional opportunities for buyers.
Consider offering:
- Virtual tours
- Video walkthroughs
- Floorplans with measurements
- Live video showings
Virtual tours can help clients better evaluate accessibility features before visiting in person.
To learn more about creating accessible showings and open house experiences, explore Disabled Access Advice, The Importance of Access When Selling a House, How do you check if a property is actually accessible before making an offer?, and C.A.R. Updated Legal Guidance on Open Houses.
Accessibility Includes Communication
Not all accessibility needs are physical. Clients may experience:
- Language barriers
- Hearing or vision impairments
- Cognitive or sensory disabilities
- Different communication or learning styles
Taking time to adjust your communication approach can help clients feel more comfortable, informed, and supported throughout the transaction.
Best Practices for Inclusive Communication
Use Plain, Clear Language
Instead of:
- “Contingency removal”
- “Escrow instructions”
- “Loan underwriting”
Take a moment to explain what those terms actually mean in everyday language.
Working With Interpreters & Translators
- Use professional interpreters or translators when possible
- Avoid relying only on automated tools like Google Translate
- Make sure clients understand which documents are legally binding
Misinterpretations during transactions can create legal risks and confusion for everyone involved.
Supporting Different Accessibility Needs
Small Adjustments Can Make a Big Difference
- Providing large-print documents
- Offering quieter meeting environments
- Using visual explanations or checklists
- Ensuring virtual meetings include captions
- Asking clients what communication methods work best for them
For guidance on reducing communication barriers and supporting clients with different language and accessibility needs, visit Relieve Confusion for Clients Who Don’t Speak English.
Market the Features, Not Assumptions
Instead of focusing on who the home is “perfect for,” focus on factual property details and accessibility features.
Clear, descriptive language helps buyers better understand the property while staying aligned with Fair Housing guidelines.
Be Specific
Accessibility can mean different things to different buyers. Details matter.
Consider highlighting:
- Doorway widths
- Step-free entrances
- Curbless showers
- Elevator access
- Wide hallways
- Lever-style handles
- Accessible parking
- Smart home accessibility features
Providing measurements and photos can help buyers evaluate whether a home fits their needs before scheduling a showing.
Avoid Misleading Claims
Be Careful Using “ADA Compliant”
The ADA primarily applies to public and commercial spaces, not most private residential homes.
Unless verified, avoid labeling a property as:
- “ADA compliant”
- “Fully accessible”
- “Wheelchair accessible”
Accessibility & Universal Design
Many accessibility features appeal to a wide range of buyers, including:
- Aging-in-place homeowners
- Multigenerational households
- Buyers planning for long-term mobility needs
Features like open layouts, no-step entries, and smart-home controls can improve convenience and usability for everyone.
To learn more about accurately and effectively marketing accessibility features, review How to Market Accessible Homes with Precision and Style.
Supporting Long-Term Housing Stability
Helping clients connect with the right resources can make a lasting difference in their ability to remain safely and comfortably in their home.
Be Specific
Accessibility can mean different things to different buyers. Details matter.
Resources may include:
- Home modification and accessibility retrofit programs
- Veteran and disability housing assistance
- Aging-in-place support services
- Property tax relief programs
- Local nonprofit and community resources
Aging in Place Is Growing
More than 75% of adults age 50+ say they want to remain in their homes as they age.
This makes features like:
- Step-free entries
- Single-story layouts
- Wider hallways
- Accessible bathrooms
Creating an inclusive experience does not stop at closing day. Helping clients navigate the next stage of homeownership can build stronger trust, relationships, and long-term community impact.
For additional support beyond the transaction, explore resources such as the California Disabled Veterans’ Exemption Program, AARP Aging in Place Resources, HUD Housing Accessibility Resources, Veteran Housing Assistance Programs, and local Independent Living Centers.